CUMMING, Ga. — There's nothing wrong with a little competition, especially if it's for a good cause.

"We're here to support Stick it 2 Cancer, to help find a cure for leukemia and lymphoma," Jay Ryerse said. "And we're happy to help other teams reach their goal."

Ryerse is talking about the BodyPlex Fitness Adventure Stick it 2 Cancer team, who joined forces with Sal's Place, 111 West Courthouse Square in Cumming to raise money to find a cure.

The popular downtown Forsyth County restaurant participated in a dine to donate event on Tuesday, July 23, and a portion of the night’s proceeds was donated to Stick it 2 Cancer.

Ryerse raises money for the charity through his company, J Tech Computer & Network Services, 540 Lake Center Parkway in Cumming and their own Stick it 2 Cancer team.

BodyPlex, 5967 Bethelview Road in Cumming has supported the charity for a few years, but recently started a new team.

"At first the gym just sponsored Zumba parties, but it was so popular we now have our own team," Monica Rank, team organizer said. "This year our goal is to raise $10,000."

Stick it 2 Cancer started out in 2010 as a group of friends joining together to support a mutual friend who had been diagnosed with cancer.

"He said he wanted to raise money to help find a cure and we all wanted to help him do that," Rank said. “And it really just took on a life of its own.”

Today the charity has about ten teams that hold various fundraising events throughout the year.

Last year, the teams raised about $116,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

They plan to beat that amount this year.

"We have several events planned collectively," Rank said. "We've got more Zumba parties scheduled, a festival at BodyPlex and the other teams are hosting several events, including a poker tournament and even a car show."

Rank said the program has a leadership committee of about 20 people, most local business owners and members of the community.

"Really, we're just a group of people who are passionate about finding a cure," she said. "Cancer impacts everyone at some level and we're doing what we can to change that."

The dine to donate event raised about $400 for Team BodyPlex and Stick it 2 Cancer.

"It was so wonderful of Sal to help us out like this," Rank said. "I hope the event introduced more people to Sal's Place because the food is wonderful."

For more information about Stick it 2 Cancer and upcoming events, visit www.stickit2cancer.com.